US11362467B2

Circuitry for detecting jack plug removal

Summary by NHIP

Impedance Sequence Jack Detection

The circuitry detects partial audio plug removal by monitoring signal path impedance during audio output. It triggers an alert upon identifying a specific predetermined sequence of impedance states within the monitored first signal path.

Claim Score by NHIP

Read claim 20, the broadest

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to circuitry for detecting at least partial removal of an audio accessory plug from a corresponding socket. The circuitry comprises a monitoring unit comprising a first terminal configured to be electrically connected to a first socket contact of the socket that is in electrical contact with a first plug contact of the plug when the plug is fully received in the socket. The monitoring unit is configured to monitor a first impedance of a first signal path coupled to the first terminal, and the circuitry is configured to output a signal indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the plug from the socket in response to detection by the monitoring unit of a first predetermined sequence of impedance states of the first signal path.

US11362467B2, drawing sheet 1 — Sheet 1 of 13

Term

14.2 yearsleft in the term

Expires 19 November 2040.

20 claims: 3 independent, 17 dependent

1
Circuitry for detecting at least partial removal of an audio accessory plug from a corresponding socket, comprising:a monitoring unit comprising: a first terminal configured to be electrically connected to a first socket contact of the socket that is in electrical contact with a first plug contact of the plug when the plug is fully received in the socket, wherein the monitoring unit is configured to monitor a first impedance of a first signal path coupled to the first terminal, based on a current in the first signal path while an audio signal is being output via the socket, and wherein the circuitry is configured to output a signal indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the plug from the socket in response to detection by the monitoring unit of a first predetermined sequence of impedance states of the first signal path.
19
Circuitry for detecting at least partial removal of an audio accessory plug from a corresponding socket, comprising:a first terminal configured to be electrically connected to a microphone contact of the socket that is in electrical contact with a microphone contact of the plug when the plug is fully received in the socket;a monitoring unit configured to monitor an impedance state of a signal path coupled to the microphone contact at the first terminal, wherein the circuitry is configured to output a signal indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the plug from the electrical socket in response to detection by the monitoring unit of a predetermined sequence of impedance states of the signal path.
20
Broadest claimClaim Score 65, broad(NHIP)Circuitry for detecting at least partial removal of an audio accessory plug from a corresponding socket, comprising:current mirror circuitry configured to mirror a proportion of a current through a load of the audio accessory when an audio signal is being supplied to the audio accessory to a dummy resistance;and voltage detection circuitry configured to: detect a voltage across the dummy resistance due to the mirrored current;and output a signal indicative of an impedance of the load of the audio accessory based on the detected voltage, wherein the circuitry is configured to detect at least partial removal of the audio accessory plug from the corresponding socket based on a change in the signal indicative of the impedance of the load.

Independent claims3

203 paragraphs in 4 sections, as filed

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to circuitry for detecting at least partial removal and/or insertion of an audio jack plug from or into a corresponding socket and, in particular, to circuitry for detecting disconnection of an accessory device from and/or connection of an accessory device to a connector of an extension cable, splitter or the like that is connected to a connector of a host device.

BACKGROUND

Many electronic devices include a suitable connector for removably connecting an accessory device to the electronic device. For example many electronic devices have a connector to connect audio accessories to the electronic device. Mobile telephones, tablets, laptop computers and the like are examples of electronic devices, also referred to as “host devices”, that are operable with audio accessory devices such as headphones, earphones, earbuds and headsets, for example, that are external to and distinct from the electronic device. Such audio accessories typically comprise mono or stereo speakers for audio playback and some audio accessories may also have a microphone for voice communication.

Such external accessory devices are often connected to the host electronic device via a mating connector arrangement such as a plug and socket. For instance, many audio accessories have a jack plug for connection to a suitable jack socket of the host electronic device. A well-known arrangement for a jack plug and its associated socket is the 3.5 mm 4-pole TRRS (Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve) configuration, which has four contacts, one contact for each of left audio, right audio, microphone, and ground.

In many devices it is desirable for the host electronic device to be able to detect when an accessory is connected to and/or disconnected from the host device. Thus commonly the host device may comprise circuitry such as a “jack detect” circuit to allow the host device to determine when a suitable accessory device connector has been connected to the host device (e.g. when a plug of an accessory device has been inserted into a socket of the host device). Various different types of jack detect arrangement are known. For instance, the presence of a suitable jack plug inserted fully into a socket may operate a mechanical switch to complete or disconnect a circuit coupled to a jack detect signal line. Monitoring the jack detect signal line, e.g. by comparing a voltage of the jack detect signal line with a known threshold voltage, gives an indication of whether a jack plug is inserted or not. In other arrangements the jack plug itself may form part of a jack detect circuit when inserted. Upon detection of the presence of a connector (e.g. a plug) of the audio accessory device in the connector (e.g. a socket) of an electronic device, the circuitry of the electronic device will be configured appropriately for operation with the accessory device e.g. to supply audio to the accessory device.

The detection circuitry also provides an indication of when the connector of the accessory device has been disconnected or removed from the connector of the host electronic device. This indication can cause the electronic device to react appropriately e.g. by suspending the generation and output of audio signals, thereby reducing power consumption of the electronic device, since audio output signals are not generated unnecessarily.

Some users may connect an accessory device such as a set of headphones, earphones, earbuds, a headset or the like to a host electronic device via a suitable extension cable. The extension cable may be formed of a suitable 3.5 mm TRRS jack plug at one end, with a corresponding TRRS jack socket at the other end. The plug of an accessory device can be received in the socket of the extension cable.

When an extension cable is used in this way, the jack detection circuitry of the host device will detect that a connector is received in the connector of the host electronic device, even when there is no accessory device connected to the extension cable. Thus audio signals may still be generated and output by the electronic device even when the accessory device is not connected to the connector of the extension cable, which can lead to unnecessary power consumption by the host electronic device.

Similarly, a splitter cable having a single jack plug at one end coupled to two or more parallel jack sockets at the other end may be used to connect two or more accessory devices to a host electronic device. The jack plug of the splitter cable is received in the socket of the host electronic device. Each socket of the splitter cable can receive the plug of a different accessory device.

When a splitter cable is used in this way, the jack detection circuitry of the host device will detect that a connector is received in the connector of the host electronic device, even when there is no accessory device connected to the splitter cable. Thus audio signals may still be generated and output by the electronic device even when no accessory device is connected to a connector of the splitter cable, which can lead to unnecessary power consumption by the host electronic device.

Also, when an extension cable or splitter cable is used in this way, the jack detection circuitry of the host device will not detect that a connector is removed from the far end of the extension or splitter cable (e.g. that a plug of an accessory device has been removed from a socket of the extension cable or splitter cable). Thus, audio signals may still be generated and output by the electronic device even when the accessory device is not connected to the connector of the extension cable or splitter cable, which can lead to unnecessary power consumption by the host electronic device.

Polling of the impedance of signal paths coupled to the left (L) and right (R) contacts of the socket of the host device can be employed in order to determine if such an accessory device is subsequently connected to the connector of the extension cable or splitter cable. Such polling typically involves temporarily connecting a DC voltage source to the relevant socket contact and measuring a parameter (e.g. a current) indicative of the impedance of the signal path. Whilst this approach is acceptable when audio signals are not being output to the connected accessory device, it is not viable when audio signals are being output, as the injection of DC voltages would give rise to unacceptable audio artefacts such as clicks and pops.

There is thus a desire for a way to detect the disconnection of an accessory device from a host electronic device that can be used without degrading audio signals being output to the accessory device, even when the accessory device is connected to the host electronic device via an extension cable or splitter cable.

According to a first aspect the invention provides circuitry for detecting at least partial removal of an audio accessory plug from a corresponding socket, comprising: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0002" list-style="none"><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0014">a monitoring unit comprising: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none"><li id="ul0003-0001" num="0015">a first terminal configured to be electrically connected to a first socket contact of the socket that is in electrical contact with a first plug contact of the plug when the plug is fully received in the socket,</li></ul></li><li id="ul0002-0002" num="0016">wherein the monitoring unit is configured to monitor a first impedance of a first signal path coupled to the first terminal, and</li><li id="ul0002-0003" num="0017">wherein the circuitry is configured to output a signal indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the plug from the socket in response to detection by the monitoring unit of a first predetermined sequence of impedance states of the first signal path.</li></ul></li></ul>

The circuitry may further comprise: <ul id="ul0004" list-style="none"><li id="ul0004-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0005" list-style="none"><li id="ul0005-0001" num="0019">a second terminal configured to be electrically connected to a second socket contact of the electrical socket that is in contact with a second plug contact of the electrical plug when the electrical plug is fully received in the socket,</li><li id="ul0005-0002" num="0020">wherein the monitoring unit is configured to monitor a second impedance of a second signal path coupled to the first terminal, and</li><li id="ul0005-0003" num="0021">wherein the circuitry is configured to output a signal indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the electrical plug from the electrical socket in response to detection by the monitoring unit of a first predetermined sequence of impedance states of the first and second signal paths.</li></ul></li></ul>

The first predetermined sequence may comprise impedance states corresponding to a first removal state and a second removal state of the plug, for example.

The first removal state may correspond to the electrical plug being fully received in the electrical socket and the second removal state may correspond to a partial removal of the electrical plug from the electrical socket.

The first predetermined sequence may further comprise an impedance state corresponding to a third removal state of the plug.

The third removal state may corresponds to at least partial removal of the jack plug from the socket.

The first predetermined sequence may further comprises an impedance state corresponding to a fourth removal state corresponding to a full removal of the jack plug from the socket.

The signal may be indicative of a full removal of the jack plug from the socket in response to detection by the monitoring unit of the first predetermined sequence of impedance states within a first predetermined time period.

The first predetermined time period may be started upon a detection by the monitoring unit of a trigger.

The trigger may comprise the first impedance state transitioning from a first value to a second value.

The signal may be indicative of a partial removal of the electrical plug from the electrical socket in response to the monitoring unit detecting an impedance state corresponding to one of the removal states of the plug and not detecting impedance states corresponding to all of the removal states of the plug within the first predetermined time period.

The circuitry may further comprise a third terminal configured to be electrically connected to a third socket contact of the electrical socket that is in contact with a third plug contact of the electrical plug when the electrical plug is fully received in the socket and the monitoring unit may be further configured to monitor a third impedance of a third signal path coupled to the third terminal.

The first predetermined sequence of impedance states may further comprise impedance states of the third signal path.

In response to detection by the monitoring unit of the first predetermined sequence of impedance states, the monitoring unit may be further configured to monitor the third impedance to determine whether the at least partial removal of the electrical plug from the electrical socket is a partial removal or a full removal.

The monitoring unit may be configured not to monitor the third impedance during the first removal state and the second removal state.

The circuitry may be configured to output a signal indicative of full removal of the electrical plug from the electrical socket in response to detection by the monitoring unit of a second predetermined sequence of impedance states of the first, second and third signal paths.

The signal may be indicative of full removal of the electrical plug from the electrical socket in response to detection by the monitoring unit of the second predetermined sequence of impedance states within a second predetermined time period.

The signal may be indicative of partial removal of the electrical plug from the electrical socket in response to the monitoring unit not detecting the second predetermined sequence of impedance states within the second predetermined time period.

The first impedance state and the second impedance state may comprise impedance measurements.

The first impedance state and the second impedance state may comprise one of a high impedance state or a low impedance state.

The first predetermined sequence may be determined based on a contact configuration of the jack plug.

The socket may comprise a tip-ring-ring-sleeve (TRRS) socket and the jack plug may comprise a TRRS plug.

Detection by the monitoring unit of the first predetermined sequence is indicative of at least partial removal of one of a plurality of different types of TRRS plugs from the TRRS socket.

The circuitry may further comprise: <ul id="ul0006" list-style="none"><li id="ul0006-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0007" list-style="none"><li id="ul0007-0001" num="0044">a detection unit configured to detect a type of TRRS plug received in the TRRS socket;</li><li id="ul0007-0002" num="0045">a memory configured to store a plurality of predetermined sequences of impedance states for detecting at least partial removal of a plurality of types of TRRS plugs from the TRRS socket; and</li><li id="ul0007-0003" num="0046">a processor configured to select the first predetermined sequence of impedance states from the plurality of predetermined sequences of impedance states based on the type of TRRS plug received in the electrical socket.</li></ul></li></ul>

The plug may be part of an accessory apparatus and the socket may be part of an extension cable connected to a host device.

Alternatively, the plug may be part of an accessory apparatus and the socket may be part of a splitter cable connected to a host device.

The circuitry may be implemented as an integrated circuit.

According to a second aspect the invention provides an electronic device comprising circuitry according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect the invention provides a method of detecting at least partial removal of an audio accessory plug from a corresponding socket, comprising: <ul id="ul0008" list-style="none"><li id="ul0008-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0009" list-style="none"><li id="ul0009-0001" num="0052">monitoring a first impedance of a first signal path coupled to a first socket contact of the socket that is in electrical contact with a first plug contact of the plug when the plug is fully received in the socket;</li><li id="ul0009-0002" num="0053">detecting a first predetermined sequence of impedance states of the signal path indicative of at least partial removal of the plug from the socket; and</li><li id="ul0009-0003" num="0054">outputting a signal indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the plug from the socket in response to detecting the predetermined sequence of impedance states.</li></ul></li></ul>

According to a fourth aspect the invention provides circuitry for detecting at least partial removal of an audio accessory plug from a corresponding socket, comprising: <ul id="ul0010" list-style="none"><li id="ul0010-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0011" list-style="none"><li id="ul0011-0001" num="0056">a first terminal configured to be electrically connected to a microphone contact of the socket that is in electrical contact with a microphone contact of the plug when the plug is fully received in the socket;</li><li id="ul0011-0002" num="0057">a monitoring unit configured to monitor an impedance state of a signal path coupled to the microphone contact at the first terminal,</li><li id="ul0011-0003" num="0058">wherein the circuitry is configured to output a signal indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the plug from the electrical socket in response to detection by the monitoring unit of a predetermined sequence of impedance states of the signal path.</li></ul></li></ul>

According to a fifth aspect the invention provides circuitry for detecting at least partial removal of an audio accessory plug from a corresponding socket, comprising: <ul id="ul0012" list-style="none"><li id="ul0012-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0013" list-style="none"><li id="ul0013-0001" num="0060">current mirror circuitry configured to mirror a proportion of a current through a load of the audio accessory when an audio signal is being supplied to the audio accessory to a dummy resistance; and</li><li id="ul0013-0002" num="0061">voltage detection circuitry configured to: <ul id="ul0014" list-style="none"><li id="ul0014-0001" num="0062">detect a voltage across the dummy resistance due to the mirrored current; and</li><li id="ul0014-0002" num="0063">output a signal indicative of an impedance of the load of the audio accessory based on the detected voltage.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>

The voltage detection circuitry may comprise a comparator.

The voltage detection circuitry may comprise an analog to digital converter.

According to a sixth aspect the invention provides circuitry for detecting at least partial removal of an audio accessory plug from a corresponding socket during output of an audio signal to the audio accessory via the socket, the circuitry comprising: <ul id="ul0015" list-style="none"><li id="ul0015-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0016" list-style="none"><li id="ul0016-0001" num="0067">a monitoring unit comprising: <ul id="ul0017" list-style="none"><li id="ul0017-0001" num="0068">a first terminal configured to be electrically connected to a first socket contact of the socket that is in electrical contact with a first plug contact of the plug when the plug is fully received in the socket,</li></ul></li><li id="ul0016-0002" num="0069">wherein the monitoring unit is configured to monitor a first impedance of a first signal path coupled to the first terminal, and</li><li id="ul0016-0003" num="0070">wherein the circuitry is configured to output a signal indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the plug from the socket in response to detection by the monitoring unit of a first predetermined sequence of impedance states of the first signal path.</li></ul></li></ul>

According to a seventh aspect the invention provides circuitry for detecting at least partial removal of an audio accessory plug from a corresponding socket during output of an audio signal to the audio accessory via the socket, the circuitry comprising: <ul id="ul0018" list-style="none"><li id="ul0018-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0019" list-style="none"><li id="ul0019-0001" num="0072">a first terminal configured to be electrically connected to a microphone contact of the socket that is in electrical contact with a microphone contact of the plug when the plug is fully received in the socket;</li><li id="ul0019-0002" num="0073">a monitoring unit configured to monitor an impedance state of a signal path coupled to the microphone contact at the first terminal,</li><li id="ul0019-0003" num="0074">wherein the circuitry is configured to output a signal indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the plug from the electrical socket in response to detection by the monitoring unit of a predetermined sequence of impedance states of the signal path.</li></ul></li></ul>

According to an eighth aspect the invention provides Circuitry for detecting at least partial removal of an audio accessory plug from a corresponding socket during output of an audio signal to the audio accessory via the socket, the circuitry comprising: <ul id="ul0020" list-style="none"><li id="ul0020-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0021" list-style="none"><li id="ul0021-0001" num="0076">current mirror circuitry configured to mirror a proportion of a current through a load of the audio accessory when an audio signal is being supplied to the audio accessory to a dummy resistance; and</li><li id="ul0021-0002" num="0077">voltage detection circuitry configured to: <ul id="ul0022" list-style="none"><li id="ul0022-0001" num="0078">detect a voltage across the dummy resistance due to the mirrored current; and</li><li id="ul0022-0002" num="0079">output a signal indicative of an impedance of the load of the audio accessory based on the detected voltage.</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of examples of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how the examples may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the following drawings in which:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an example of circuitry for detecting at least partial removal of a jack plug from a corresponding socket;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-c </figref>illustrate an example of the removal of a four-pole jack plug from a corresponding socket over a sequence of different removal states;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3a-d </figref>illustrate another example of the removal of a four-pole jack plug from a corresponding socket over a sequence of different removal states;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4a-d </figref>illustrate a further example of the removal of four-pole jack plug from a corresponding socket over a sequence of different removal states;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5a </figref>illustrates an example of circuitry for estimating the impedance of a signal path;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5b </figref>illustrates another example of circuitry for estimating the impedance of a signal path;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6a-6c </figref>illustrate an example of the removal of a three-pole jack plug from a corresponding socket over a sequence of different removal states; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7a-7f </figref>illustrate examples of different scenarios in which the removal of a jack plug from a corresponding socket can be detected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description below sets forth example embodiments according to this disclosure. Further example embodiments and implementations will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art. Further, those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various equivalent techniques may be applied in lieu of, or in conjunction with, the embodiments discussed below, and all such equivalents should be deemed as being encompassed by the present disclosure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates circuitry 100 for detecting at least partial removal of an electrical plug 160 from a corresponding electrical socket 150. In this example, the plug 160 is a conventional 3.5 mm TRRS (Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve) jack plug with four contacts, namely: a tip (T) contact 162; a first ring (R) contact 164; a second ring (R) contact 166; and a sleeve (S) contact 168. The electrical socket 150 in this example is a 4-pole socket with TRRS contacts 152-158 (the sleeve contact 158 is shown in dashed outline <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). As will be appreciated, when the plug 160 is fully received in the socket 150, the T, R, R and S contacts 152-158 of the socket 150 are in electrical contact with the corresponding TRRS contacts 162-168 of the plug 160.

The circuitry 100 may form part of a host electronic device such as a mobile phone, tablet or laptop computer or the like, and the plug 160 may form part of an accessory device such as a set of headphones, earphones, earbuds, a headset or the like. The insertion of the plug 160 into the socket 150 may therefore provide a mating connection between an accessory device and a host electronic device.

The circuitry 100 further comprises a monitoring unit 170, which may comprise discrete circuitry, integrated circuitry, processor circuitry configured to execute suitable software instructions or any combination of discrete circuitry, integrated circuitry, processor circuitry and software. The monitoring unit 170 is configured to monitor a first impedance of a first signal path associated with the socket tip contact 152, and a second impedance of a second signal path associated with the first socket ring contact 154. To this end the monitoring unit 170 includes a first terminal 110, a second terminal 120, a third terminal 130 and a fourth terminal 140. The first terminal 110 is electrically coupled to the tip contact 152 of the socket 150 via a conductor (e.g. a PCB trace, wire or the like) 112, the second terminal 120 is electrically coupled to the first socket ring contact 154 of the socket 150 via a conductor 122, the third terminal 130 is electrically coupled to the second socket ring contact 156 of the socket 150 via a conductor 132, and the fourth terminal 140 is electrically coupled to the sleeve contact 158 of the socket 150 via a conductor 142.

The monitoring unit 170 is configured to monitor, continuously or periodically, the impedance of the audio accessory via a first signal path between the first terminal 110 and the third terminal 130 and the impedance of the audio accessory via a second signal path between the second terminal 120 and the third terminal 130, in order to detect a partial or complete removal of the plug 160 from the socket 150.

For example, a stereo audio accessory comprising left and right speakers (represented in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> by impedances RL, RR respectively) but no microphone may include a 3.5 mm TRRS plug 160 that can be received in the socket 150. A left speaker of the audio accessory is typically connected to the tip contact 162 of the plug 160, whilst a right speaker of the audio accessory is typically connected to the first ring contact 164 of the plug 160. The second ring contact 166 and possibly also the sleeve contact 168 of the plug 160 typically provides a ground connection for the audio accessory.

Thus, when the plug 160 of such an audio accessory device is fully received in the socket 150 of a host device, the tip contact 162 of the plug 160 will be electrically connected to the first terminal 110 of the monitoring unit 170, the first ring contact 164 of the plug 160 will be electrically connected to the second terminal 120 of the monitoring unit 170, the second ring contact 166 of the plug 160 will be electrically connected to the third terminal 130 of the monitoring unit 170 and the sleeve contact 168 of the plug 160 will be electrically connected to the fourth terminal 140 of the monitoring unit 170.

Accordingly, when the plug 160 of the audio accessory is fully received in the socket 150 of the host device the impedance of a first signal path between the first terminal 110 and the third terminal 130, via the audio accessory, as measured by the monitoring unit 170 (which may be referred to as the first measured impedance), will be approximately equal to the impedance RL of the left speaker of the audio accessory, and the impedance of a second signal path between the second terminal 120 and the third terminal 130, via the audio accessory, as measured by the monitoring unit 170 (which may be referred to as the second measured impedance), will be approximately equal to the impedance RR of the right speaker of the audio accessory.

Conversely, if no plug 160 is received in the socket 150 the first measured impedance will be very high, since the first signal path is open circuit, and the second measured impedance will also be very high, since the second signal path is also open circuit.

Thus, the impedance measurements made by the impedance monitoring unit 170 can be used to determine whether or not a plug 160 is received in the socket 150. For example if the first and second measured impedances are relatively low, e.g. ˜16Ω, then it may be determined that a plug is present in the socket 150, since such measured impedances may correspond to the impedances, or expected impedance ranges, of the first and second speakers of an audio accessory. If the first and second measured impedances are relatively high, e.g. >10 kΩ, then it may be determined that there is no plug present in the socket 150, since such measured impedances may be indicative of open circuit conditions in the first and second signal paths.

The circuitry 100 may thus use the measured impedance values of the first and second signal paths between the terminals of the monitoring unit, via the audio accessory, to determine whether or not a plug is received in the socket 150, or may alternatively use relative impedance states of the first and second signal paths. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, in which the plug 160 is fully received in the socket 150, a first impedance state, detected at the first terminal 110, and a second impedance state, detected at the second terminal 120, will both be low impedance (since the measured impedances of the associated first and second signal paths are relatively low), thus indicating that the plug 160 is fully received in the socket 150.

Thus, the monitoring unit 170 and associated circuitry 100 may implement “jack detect” functionality: when the monitoring unit 170 detects that both the first impedance state at the first terminal 110 and the second impedance state at second terminal 120 are low impedance (e.g. the first and second measured impedances correspond to left and right audio accessory speaker impedances respectively), then the monitoring unit 170 may determine that a plug is received in the socket 150.

However, as the plug 160 is being removed from the socket 150, the impedance states at the first and second terminals 110, 120 will change, as will be described in relation to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-c, 3a-d and 4a-d</figref>. When the impedance state at at least the first terminal 110, changes in accordance with a predetermined sequence, this will be indicative of at least partial removal of the plug 160 from the socket 150. The circuitry 100 is therefore configured to output a signal S indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the plug 160 from the socket 150 in response to detection by the monitoring unit 170 of a predetermined sequence of impedance states detected at the first and/or second terminals 110, 120.

This jack detect functionality may complement existing jack detect circuitry or functionality in a host device, such that in the event of failure of such existing jack detect circuitry (e.g. failure of a mechanical switch or contact used by the existing jack detect circuitry), the insertion of a plug into a socket of the host device and the removal of a plug from the socket of the host device can still be detected.

Alternatively, the jack detect functionality implemented by the monitoring unit 170 and associated circuitry 100 may replace other types of jack detect circuitry that may otherwise be provided in a host device. This may help to reduce a bill of materials cost of the host device, since, for example, a mechanical switch component that would otherwise be required for jack detect purposes can be omitted.

Moreover, the monitoring unit 170 and associated circuitry 100 are able to detect connection or disconnection of an audio accessory to or from a host device even when the audio accessory is connected indirectly to the host device, e.g. via an extension cable or splitter cable that remains connected to the host device when the accessory device is disconnected from the extension cable or splitter cable.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-c </figref>illustrate an example of an audio jack plug 260 being removed from a corresponding socket 150 over a sequence of different removal states. The elements in common between <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-c </figref>are given corresponding reference numerals.

In the illustrated example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, a plug 260 may comprise a TRRS jack plug to provide a connection to an audio accessory device such as a set of stereo headphones that does not include a microphone. A common configuration for the jack plug for such an accessory device is that the tip and first ring contacts 262, 264 provide connections for the left audio and right audio loads (e.g. left and right speakers), respectively, with the second ring and sleeve contact 266, 268 being connected together and providing a ground connection for the accessory device. Thus, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2a</figref>, the plug tip (T) contact 262 provides a connection to the left audio load RL. Similarly, the first plug ring (R) contact 264 provides a connection to the right audio load RR. It will be appreciated that both the left audio load RL and the right audio load RR will be substantially the same and therefore the impedance of either load may be expressed as RLOAD. The second plug ring (R) contact 266 and the plug sleeve contact 268 of the plug 260 may both provide a connection to ground.

Therefore, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2a</figref>, when the plug 160 is fully received in the socket 150, the first terminal 110 of the monitoring unit 170 is electrically connected to the left load RL at the plug tip contact 262 via the socket tip contact 152, while the second terminal 120 of the monitoring unit 170 is electrically connected to the right load RR at the first plug ring contact 264 via the first socket ring contact 154.

The monitoring unit 170 further comprises a third terminal 130 and a fourth terminal 140, which are electrically connected to the second socket ring contact 156 and the socket sleeve contact 158 respectively, via respective conductors such as PCB tracks, wires or the like. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2a</figref>, when the plug 160 is fully received in the socket 150, the second socket ring contact 156 is electrically connected to the second plug ring contact 266 and the socket sleeve contact 158 is electrically connected to the plug sleeve contact 268. As described above, the second plug ring contact 266 and the plug sleeve contact 268 both provide a contact for connection to ground. Therefore, the third terminal 130 and the fourth terminal 140 connect the second plug ring contact 266 and the plug sleeve contact 268 to ground G, when the plug 160 is fully received in the socket 150.

With both the third and fourth terminals 130, 140 connected to ground G, either of these terminals may provide a suitable reference from which impedance measurements may be taken. Therefore, impedance measurements may be taken for a first signal path from the first terminal 110 to either the third terminal 130 or the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory, and for a second signal path from the second terminal 120 to either the third terminal 130 or the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory. In other words, a first impedance state may be detected at the first terminal 110 for a first signal path between the first terminal 110 and either the third terminal 130 or the fourth terminal 140, and a second impedance state may be detected at the second terminal 120, for a second signal path between the second terminal 120 and either the third terminal 130 or the fourth terminal 140.

In the illustrated example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-c</figref>, the fourth terminal 140 is used as the end of the first and second signal paths for the purpose of detecting the first and second impedance states.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2a </figref>illustrates the plug 260 and the socket 150 in an initial (or first) removal state, in which the plug 260 is fully inserted in the socket 150. In this initial removal state, the impedance state at both the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 will be low, as the first and second terminals 110,120 are in electrical contact with the plug tip and first ring contacts 262, 264 via socket contacts 152,154, respectively. The first signal path from the first terminal 110 to the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory, includes the left load RL, and therefore the impedance of the first signal path will be measured as RLOAD. Accordingly, the first impedance state, detected at the first terminal 110, is low impedance. Similarly, the second signal path from the second terminal 120 to the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory, includes the right audio load RR. Therefore, the impedance of the second signal path will also be measured as RLOAD by monitoring unit 170. Thus the second impedance state, detected at the second terminal 120, is also low impedance.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2b </figref>illustrates a second removal state of the plug 260 and the socket 150, in which the plug 260 is partially removed from the socket 150. In the second removal state, the plug 260 has been partially extracted from the socket 150, such that the plug sleeve contact 268 is no longer received in the socket 150. In the second removal state, the socket tip contact 152 is not in electrical contact with any of the plug contacts 262-268. The signal path from the first terminal 110 is therefore open circuit. As such, the first impedance state, detected at the first terminal 110, will be high impedance.

In the second removal state, the second terminal 120 is electrically connected to the plug tip contact 262 via the first socket ring contact 154. The signal path between the second terminal 120 and the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory, therefore includes the left audio load RL. As the impedances of the left audio load RL and the right audio load RR are substantially the same, the impedance of this signal path will therefore again be measured as RLOAD in the second removal state, and thus the impedance state, detected at the second terminal 120, when the plug 160 and the socket 150 are in the second removal state will be low impedance.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2c </figref>illustrates the plug 260 and the socket 150 in a third removal state, which for the purposes of the present disclosure is equivalent to the full removal of the plug 260 from the socket 150. In the third removal state, the plug tip contact 262 and the first plug ring contacts 264 are received in the socket 150, in contact with the second socket ring contact 156 and the socket sleeve contact 158 respectively. However, the second socket ring contact 156 and the socket sleeve contact 158 are both grounded. The left and right audio contacts of the plug 260 (i.e. the socket tip contact 262 and the first socket ring contact 264) are therefore no longer in contact with the socket contacts of the socket 150 through which audio signals can be supplied to the left and/or right plug contacts (i.e. the socket tip contact 152 and the first socket ring contact 154). Therefore, neither of left audio load RL and right audio load RR can be driven in the third removal state. Accordingly, when the plug 260 and the socket 150 adopt the third removal state, the plug 260 will be considered to be removed from the socket 150 for the purposes of the present disclosure.

In the third removal state, the first terminal 110 is again not connected to any of the plug contacts 262-268. Therefore the first impedance state, detected at the first terminal 110, will again be high impedance. The first socket ring contact 154 is no longer in electrical contact with any of the plug contacts 262-268 in the third removal state. Therefore, the second impedance state, detected at the second terminal 120, will also be high impedance.

As will be apparent from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2c</figref>, in the third removal state a third signal path between the third and fourth terminals 130, 140 of the monitoring unit 170, via the audio accessory, will include the left and right loads RL, RR and thus the impedance of this third signal path will be approximately equal to 2RLOAD. The monitoring unit 170 could be configured to monitor the impedance of the third signal path, either continuously or in response to detection of high impedance states of the first and second signal paths, in order to detect or verify removal of the plug 260 from the socket 150 by detecting a change of the impedance of the third signal path to approximately 2RLOAD.

The sequence of values of the first and second impedance states as the plug 260 is removed from the socket 150 over the first to third removal states illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-c </figref>may therefore be expressed according to Table 1:

<tables id="TABLE-US-00001" num="00001"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="56pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" rowsep="1">TABLE 1</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>Removal</entry><entry>First Impedance</entry><entry>Second Impedance</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>State</entry><entry>State</entry><entry>State</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>First</entry><entry>Low-Z (RLOAD)</entry><entry>Low-Z (RLOAD)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Second</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>RLOAD</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Third</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>High-Z</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

The changing sequence of the first and/or second impedance states detected at the first and/or second terminals 110, 120 respectively may therefore be indicative of the removal of the plug 260 from the socket 150. As the plug 260 is removed from the socket 150, the plug 260 and socket 150 will sequentially adopt the first, second and third removal states illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-c</figref>. The monitoring unit 170 is therefore configured to detect a sequence of first and/or second impedance states, and when the detected sequence of first and/or second impedance states corresponds to the relevant sequence(s) in Table 1, the monitoring unit 170 will detect that the plug 260 has been removed from socket 150.

The circuitry 100 is configured to output a signal S indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the plug 260 from the socket 150 when the monitoring unit 170 detects this predetermined sequence. The signal S may be sent to a controller (not illustrated) of the host device, which may, in response to the signal S, suspend the generation and supply of audio signals to the socket 150, thereby reducing power consumption of the host device, since audio signals are not unnecessarily generated and output.

The monitoring unit 170 may comprise a processor and/or circuitry configured to detect one or more of the predetermined sequences denoted in Table 1, indicative of removal of the plug 260 from socket 150. In another example the monitoring unit 170 may detect the first and second impedance states (e.g. by measuring the impedances of signal paths from the first and second terminals 110, 120, as described above) and transmit the detected impedance states to a downstream processor. The downstream processor may log the detected sequences of the first and/or second impedance states and, when one or more of the logged sequences of impedance states corresponds to a predetermined sequence, may output the signal S to a controller to suspend audio output by the host device.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3a-d </figref>illustrate another example of an audio jack plug 360 being removed from a corresponding socket 150 over a sequence of different removal states. The elements in common between <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-c </figref>and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3a-d </figref>are given corresponding reference numerals.

In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3a-d</figref>, a plug 360 may form part of an audio accessory device which has microphone capabilities, e.g. a stereo headset. One TRRS plug contact configuration for such an accessory device is left audio, right audio, microphone and ground, respectively. Therefore, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3a</figref>, the plug tip and first plug ring contacts 362, 364 comprise the left audio contact and right audio contacts, illustrated by left load RL and right load RR, respectively, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3a</figref>. As in the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2a</figref>, the first terminal 110 is electrically connected to the plug tip contact 362 when the plug 360 is fully received in socket 150. Similarly, the second terminal 120 is electrically connected to the first plug ring contact 364 when the plug 360 is fully received in the socket 150.

The second plug ring contact 366 comprises the microphone contact of the plug 360, which is illustrated by microphone MIC at the second plug ring contact 366. When the plug 360 is fully received in the socket 150 as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3a</figref>, the third terminal 130 of the monitoring unit 170 is electrically connected to the second plug ring contact 366.

The plug sleeve contact 368 provides a ground contact of the plug 360. When the plug 360 is fully received in the socket 150 as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3a</figref>, the fourth terminal 140 of the monitoring unit 170 is electrically connected to the plug sleeve contact 368. The fourth terminal 140 is also connected to a ground plane or rail of the circuitry 100.

As described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-c</figref>, the fourth terminal 140 acts as the end of the first and second signal paths (which start at the first and second terminals 110, 120 respectively) for which the first and second impedances are measured by the monitoring unit 170.

As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3a</figref>, with the plug 360 fully received in the socket 150 in an initial or first removal state, the first signal path between the first terminal 110 and the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory, includes the left audio load RL impedance (which is equal to RLOAD as explained above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-2c</figref>) and the second signal path between the second terminal 120 and the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory, includes the right audio load RR impedance (which is also equal to RLOAD as explained above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-2c</figref>). Thus in this initial removal state, the first impedance state, detected at the first terminal 110, and the second impedance state, detected at the second terminal 120, will be both be RLOAD (or low impedance), indicating a low measured impedance of both the first signal path between the first terminal 110 and the fourth terminal 140 and the second signal path between the second terminal 120 and the fourth terminal 140.

The monitoring unit 170 may be further configured to monitor a third impedance state at the third terminal 130. When the plug 360 is fully received in socket 150, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3a</figref>, the impedance of a third signal path between the third terminal 130 and the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory, will be approximately equal to the impedance of the microphone MIC. For example, the measured impedance of the third signal path may be approximately 2.2 kΩ.

The changing value of the third impedance state at third terminal 130 may be used in conjunction with the changing values of the first and/or second impedance states to detect or confirm removal of the plug 360 from the socket 150.

In the initial removal state, the second socket ring contact 156 is in electrical contact with the second plug ring contact 366, which is connected to the microphone MIC. The signal path from the third terminal 130 to the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory, therefore includes microphone MIC. Therefore, the impedance of the third signal path between the third terminal 130 and the fourth terminal 140 will be measured as the impedance RMIC of the microphone.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3b </figref>illustrates a second removal state of the plug 360 and the socket 150, in which the plug 360 is partially removed from socket 150. In the second removal state, the first signal path from first terminal 110 is open circuit, as the socket tip contact 152 is not in contact with any of the plug contacts 362-368. Therefore, the first impedance state, detected at the first terminal 110, will be high impedance.

The second terminal 120 is electrically connected to the plug tip contact 362 via the first socket ring contact 154. The second signal path from the second terminal 120 to the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory, includes the left audio load RL impedance and the microphone MIC. As the left audio load RL impedance is substantially equal to right audio load RR impedance, the measured impedance of the second signal path will be approximately RLOAD+RMIC. The second impedance state, detected at the second terminal 120, will therefore increase to approximately RLOAD+RMIC in the second removal state.

The third signal path from the third terminal 130 to the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory, includes the right audio load RR and the microphone MIC, due to the contact between the second socket ring contact 156 and the second plug ring contact 366. Therefore, in the second removal state the impedance of the third signal path between the third terminal 130 and the fourth terminal 140 will be measured as RLOAD+RMIC. Thus the detected impedance state at the third terminal 130 in the second removal state will be approximately RLOAD+RMIC.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3c </figref>illustrates a third removal state of the plug 360 and the socket 150, in which the plug 360 is partially removed from the socket 150. In the third removal state, the first impedance state, detected at the first terminal 110, is again high impedance, due to the absence of any electrical connection between the first terminal 110 and any of the plug contacts 362-368. Similarly, in the third removal state, the second terminal 120 is not electrically connected to any of the plug contacts 362-368. Therefore, the signal path from second terminal 120 is open circuit. As such, the second impedance state, detected at the second terminal 120, is also high impedance.

In the third removal state, the signal path between the third terminal 130 and the fourth terminal 140, via the audio accessory, includes the left audio load RL and the right audio load RR. As the impedances of the left audio load RL and the right audio load RR are substantially the same, the measured impedance of the third signal path in the third removal state will be measured as RL+RR=2RLOAD, and thus the detected impedance state at the third terminal in the third removal state will be approximately 2RLOAD.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3d </figref>illustrates a fourth removal state of the plug 360 from the socket 150, which for the purposes of the present disclosure is equivalent to the full removal of the plug 360 from the socket 150. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3d </figref>illustrates that the plug tip contact 362 is received in the socket 150 and in contact with the socket sleeve contact 158 (which is grounded as a result of its connection to the fourth terminal 140), but none of the other plug contacts 364-368 are in contact with any of the socket contacts 152-158. Therefore, when the plug 360 and the socket 150 adopt the fourth removal state, the plug 360 will be considered to have been removed from the socket 150 for the purposes of this disclosure.

In the fourth removal state illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3d</figref>, the first terminal 110, second terminal 120 and third terminal 130 are not in electrical contact with any of the plug contacts 362-368. Therefore, the signal paths from the first, second and third terminals 110-130 are all open circuit and therefore the first, second and third impedance states will all be high impedance.

The sequence of values of the first, second and third impedance states as the plug 360 is removed from the socket 150 over the first to fourth removal states illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3a-d </figref>may therefore be expressed according to Table 2:

<tables id="TABLE-US-00002" num="00002"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" rowsep="1">TABLE 2</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Removal</entry><entry>First Impedance</entry><entry>Second Impedance</entry><entry>Third Impedance</entry></row><row><entry>state</entry><entry>State</entry><entry>State</entry><entry>State</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>First</entry><entry>RLOAD</entry><entry>RLOAD</entry><entry>RMIC</entry></row><row><entry>Second</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>RLOAD + RMIC</entry><entry>RLOAD + RMIC</entry></row><row><entry>Third</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>2RLOAD</entry></row><row><entry>Fourth</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>High-Z</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

When a TRRS plug with a left-right-microphone-ground configuration is removed from the socket 150, the plug 360 and the socket 150 will adopt the first to fourth removal states illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3a-d</figref>. The first, second and third impedance states will therefore adopt the changing sequence of impedance states denoted in Table 2.

One or more of the changing impedance states of Table 2 may therefore form another predetermined sequence of impedance states indicative of at least partial removal of a plug 360 from the socket 150. The monitoring unit 170 may therefore be configured to detect one or more of the predetermined sequences of impedance states in Table 2 and to output a signal S indicative of detection of removal of the electrical plug 360 from the electrical socket 150 in response to the detection.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4a-d </figref>illustrate another example of an audio jack plug 460 being removed from a corresponding socket 150 over a sequence of different removal states. The elements in common between <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-c</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3a-d </figref>and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4a-d </figref>are given corresponding reference numerals.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4a </figref>illustrates another example of a TRRS jack plug 460 providing a connection to an audio accessory device having stereo audio and microphone capabilities. The plug 460 comprises left audio, right audio, microphone and ground contacts, as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3a-d</figref>. However, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4a-d </figref>illustrate an alternative configuration of the contacts, in which the microphone MIC is connected to the plug sleeve contact 468 and the ground contact is provided at the second plug ring contact 466. The TRRS contacts of the plug 460 therefore provide left audio, right audio, microphone and ground contacts, respectively.

The plug tip contact 462 therefore provides a connection to the left audio load RL and first plug ring contact 464 provides a connection to the right audio load RR. The second plug ring contact 466 provides a connection to ground and the plug sleeve contact 468 provides a connection to the microphone MIC. In the example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4a-d</figref>, the third terminal 130 will therefore act as the end of the first, second and third signal paths (which start at the first, second and fourth terminals 110, 120, 140 respectively) whose impedances are measured by the monitoring unit 170. The third terminal 130 may also be connected to a ground plane or rail of the circuitry 100.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4a </figref>illustrates a first removal state of the plug 460 and the socket 150, in which the plug 460 is fully received in the socket 150. The socket tip contact 152 is therefore electrically connected to the plug tip contact 462. The first signal path from the first terminal 110 to the third terminal 130, via the audio accessory, therefore includes the left audio load RL. Therefore, the measured impedance of the first signal path will be approximately equal to the impedance of the left audio load, and so the first impedance state detected at the first terminal 110 will be RLOAD. Similarly, the second signal path from the second terminal 120 to the third terminal 130, via the audio accessory, includes the right audio load RR, due to the connection between the first socket ring contact 154 and the first plug ring contact 464. Therefore, in the first removal state, the measured impedance of the second signal path will be approximately equal to the impedance RR of the right audio load, and so the second impedance state detected at the second terminal 120 will also be RLOAD.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4a </figref>illustrates that the fourth terminal 140 is connected to the microphone MIC through the electrical contact between the socket sleeve contact 158 and the plug sleeve contact 468. The third signal path from the fourth terminal 140 to the third terminal 130, via the audio accessory, includes the microphone MIC, which has an impedance of RMIC. As such the measured impedance of the third signal path between the fourth terminal 140 and the third terminal 130 will be approximately RMIC. Thus, the third impedance state, detected at the fourth terminal 140, will be RMIC.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4b </figref>illustrates a second removal state of the plug 460 from the socket 150, in which the plug 460 is partially removed from the socket 150. In the second removal state the first signal path from the first terminal 110 does not electrically contact any of the plug contacts 462-468 and is thus open circuit. Therefore, the first impedance state detected at the first terminal 110 will be high impedance.

In the second removal state, the second terminal 120 is electrically connected to the plug tip contact 462 and the third terminal 130 is electrically connected to the first plug ring contact 464. The second signal path between the second terminal 120 and the third terminal 130, via the audio accessory, therefore includes the left load RL and the right load RR (which each have an impedance of RLOAD), and so the measured impedance of the second signal path will be approximately 2RLOAD. Thus the second impedance state detected at the second terminal 120 will be 2RLOAD.

The fourth terminal 140 is electrically connected to the second plug ring contact 466. The third signal path between the fourth terminal 140 and the third terminal 130, via the audio accessory, includes the right audio load RR, and so the measured impedance of this signal path will be RR. The third impedance state at the fourth terminal 140 will therefore be RLOAD.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4c </figref>illustrates a third removal state of the plug 460 and the socket 150, in which the plug 460 is partially removed from the socket 150. In the third removal state neither the first terminal 110 nor the second terminal 120 is electrically connected to any of the plug contacts 462-468. Therefore the first and second signal paths (between the first terminal 110 and the third terminal 130 and between the second terminal 120 and the third terminal 130 respectively) are both open circuit and so the first and second impedance states detected at the first and second terminals 110,120 will both be high impedance.

In the third removal state illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4c</figref>, the third signal path between the fourth terminal 140 and the third terminal 130, via the audio accessory, includes the left audio load RL and the right audio load RR (which each have an impedance of RLOAD), such that the measured impedance of the third signal path is 2RLOAD. The third impedance state, detected at the fourth terminal 140, will therefore be 2RLOAD.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4d </figref>illustrates a fourth removal state of the plug 460 and the socket 150, which, as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3d</figref>, is equivalent to the full removal of the plug 460 from the socket 150 for the purposes of the present disclosure.

In the fourth removal state, the first and second terminals 110,120 are not electrically connected to any of the plug contacts 462-468. Therefore, the first and second impedance states detected at the first and second terminals respectively will both be high impedance.

The fourth terminal 140 is electrically connected to the plug tip contact 462 in the fourth removal state. However, there is no plug contact connected to the third terminal 130. Therefore, the third signal path from the fourth terminal 140 to the third terminal is open circuit. Therefore, the third impedance state, detected at the fourth terminal 140, will be high impedance in the fourth removal state illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>d.

The sequence of values of the first, second and third impedance states as the plug 460 is removed from the socket 150 over the first to four removal states illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4a-d </figref>may therefore be expressed according to Table 3:

<tables id="TABLE-US-00003" num="00003"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" rowsep="1">TABLE 3</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Removal</entry><entry>First Impedance</entry><entry>Second Impedance</entry><entry>Third Impedance</entry></row><row><entry>state</entry><entry>State</entry><entry>State</entry><entry>State</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>First</entry><entry>RLOAD</entry><entry>RLOAD</entry><entry>RMIC</entry></row><row><entry>Second</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>2RLOAD</entry><entry>RLOAD</entry></row><row><entry>Third</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>2RLOAD</entry></row><row><entry>Fourth</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>High-Z</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

When a TRRS plug with a left-right-ground-microphone configuration is removed from the socket 150, the plug 460 and the socket 150 will adopt the first to fourth removal states of the plug 460 and socket 150 illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4a-d</figref>. The first, second and third impedance states will therefore adopt the changing sequence of values denoted in Table 3.

One or more of the changing impedance states of Table 3 may therefore form another predetermined sequence of impedance states indicative of at least partial removal of plug 460 from socket 150. Monitoring unit 170 may therefore be configured to detect the predetermined sequence of impedance states in Table 3 and output a signal S indicative of detection of removal of the electrical plug 460 from the electrical socket 150 in response to the detection.

The circuitry 100 is therefore capable of detecting a jack extraction event, i.e. the removal of a plug 160, 260, 360, 460 from the socket 150. The circuitry 100 may operate in conjunction with or as an alternative to conventional “jack detect” circuitry, such as the mechanical switch implementation described above.

It will be appreciated that the circuitry 100 is able to detect a jack extraction event even when an accessory device is connected to a host electronic device via an extension cable or a splitter cable that is plugged into the host electronic device, as the removal of a plug 160, 260, 360, 460 from a socket of the extension cable will generate a number of detectable sequences of impedance states. The circuitry 100 detects the removal of an accessory device from an extension cable by detecting a predetermined sequence of impedance states, which occurs regardless of whether the plug of the accessory device is received in the socket of the host device or the socket of an extension cable or splitter cable. Thus the predetermined sequence is detected by the circuitry 100 even when the plug 160, 260, 360, 460 is removed from the socket 150 of an extension cable, and so an extraction event can be detected and recorded even when an accessory device is connected to the host device via an extension cable. In contrast, with conventional jack detect circuitry, the removal of a plug from a socket of an extension cable would not result in the circuitry detecting an extraction event because the plug of the extension cable would remain in the socket of the host device.

The monitoring unit 170 is therefore configured to monitor the impedance states detected at the terminals 110-140 and when the impedance states correspond to a predetermined sequence e.g. any of the sequences denoted in Tables 1-3, the circuitry 100 outputs a signal indicative of removal of a plug 160, 260, 360, 460 from the socket 150. It will be appreciated that the sequences denoted in Tables 1-3 are examples of predetermined sequences and the skilled person will understand that a predetermined sequence could be determined for any TRRS plug contact configuration, for different impedances states that may be detected during the extraction of the plug(s) of one or more accessory devices from one or more sockets of a splitter cable, or indeed for any configuration of different types of complementary plugs and sockets.

A memory may be associated with the monitoring unit 170 and may store the one or more predetermined sequences for detecting the removal of jack plugs of different configurations from a socket, and/or predetermined sequences indicative of the removal of the plug(s) of one or more accessory devices from one or more sockets of a splitter cable. The monitoring unit 170 may comprise a processor that logs the impedance states detected at terminals 110-140 and is configured to detect the removal of a plug from the socket 150 or from a socket of a splitter cable when the detected sequence of impedance states corresponds to any of the stored predetermined sequences. The monitoring unit 170 may be configured to transmit the detected impedance states to a downstream processor, which may detect the removal of a plug from the socket 150 or from a socket of a splitter cable when the detected impedance states correspond with any of the predetermined sequences stored in the memory.

The circuitry 100 may be configured to detect the type of plug received in a socket 150. For example, using conventional microphone detection circuitry, the circuitry 100 may determine that the plug comprises a microphone contact and may further determine which contact of the plug comprises the microphone contact. In response to detecting the type of plug received in the socket 150, a processor may select the corresponding predetermined sequence to detect the removal of the plug from the socket 150. For example, in response to circuitry 100 determining that a TRRS plug with left-right-microphone-ground contacts is received in the socket 150, the processor may select one or more of the sequences denoted in Table 2 to detect the removal of the plug from the socket 150.

The circuitry 100 may output the signal S indicative of detection of removal of the plug from the socket 150 in response to the predetermined sequence of impedance states occurring within a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may correspond to an average or expected removal time of a plug from socket 150 e.g. 500 ms. Detection of the plug 160, 260, 360, 460 moving from the first removal state to the second removal state in socket 150, may act as trigger for monitoring unit 170 to detect the predetermined sequence of impedance states.

When the circuitry 100 or other jack detect circuitry determines that a plug is fully received in the socket 150, the circuitry 100 may enter an idle mode in which the impedance of the signal paths connected to the terminals 110-140 is not continuously monitored and instead is periodically determined. For example, one of the terminals 110-140 may be periodically polled, e.g. every 500 ms, to measure the impedance of the associated signal path. This mode of operation may reduce power consumption compared to a continuous impedance measurement.

However, in response to determining that a trigger event or sequence has occurred e.g. the plug moving to the second removal state in socket 150, the monitoring unit 170 may enter an “active” mode of operation in which the monitoring unit 170 continuously monitors the impedance states at terminals 110-140 to detect a predetermined sequence of impedance states.

Referring to Tables 1-3, a common feature of all the sequences is the first impedance state at the first terminal 110 being low impedance (e.g. RLOAD) in the first removal state and high impedance in the second removal state. Therefore in one embodiment, the first impedance state transitioning from RLOAD (or a low impedance state) in the first removal state to a high impedance state may act as a trigger for the monitoring unit 170 to enter the “active” mode to detect a predetermined sequence of impedance states within a predetermined time period. Detection of this trigger sequence may therefore act as the starting point for the predetermined time period.

In response to the trigger sequence or event, the monitoring unit 170 may operate in the “active” mode for the predetermined time period to detect a predetermined sequence of impedance states. In response to the monitoring unit 170 detecting a predetermined sequence of impedance states within the predetermined time period, the circuitry 100 outputs a signal S indicative of full removal of the plug from the socket 150.

In some situations the monitoring unit 170 may not detect a predetermined sequence of impedance states within the predetermined time period. In one example, the plug may only be partially removed from the socket 150 within the predetermined time period e.g. the plug and socket 150 may not move beyond the second removal state within the predetermined time period.

In such examples, the circuitry 100 may output a signal S indicative of detection of partial removal of the plug from the socket 150. The signal S may again be transmitted to a controller to cause the controller to suspend output of audio signals to the relevant contacts of the socket 150. As the plug is partially removed from the socket 150, the plug is not received in a manner that permits the accessory device to correctly receive the audio signals, and so outputting audio signals would result in unnecessary power consumption of the host device.

In some examples, the monitoring unit 170 may be configured to monitor the first and second impedance states detected at the first and second terminals 110,120 to detect a predetermined sequence indicative of at least partial removal of the plug from socket 150, and to monitor the third impedance state detected at the third terminal 130 to determine whether a full or a partial removal of the plug from the socket 150 has occurred.

For example, referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4a</figref>, the plug 460 may be fully received in the socket 150 (i.e. the plug 460 and the socket are in the first removal state) and the monitoring unit 170 may continuously monitor the first and second impedance states at the first and second terminals 110,120. The first and second impedance states will therefore be indicative of the load impedance ROAD. However, the monitoring unit 170 may not monitor the third impedance state at the fourth terminal 140 when the plug 460 and the socket 150 are in the first removal state.

Upon partial removal of the plug 460 from the socket 150, the plug 460 will be moved to the second removal state illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4b</figref>. In the second removal state, the monitoring unit 170 may again monitor the first and second impedance states at the first and second terminals 110, 120. However, again, the monitoring unit 170 may be configured not to monitor the third impedance state at the fourth terminal 140 in the second removal state. The first impedance state is indicative of a measured high impedance value and the second impedance state is indicative of a measured impedance value of 2RLOAD in the second removal state.

The plug 460 may be moved to the third removal state, in which the plug 460 is again partially removed from socket 150. In this removal state the first and second impedance states are indicative of measured high impedance values. The sequence of the first and second impedance states over the first to third removal states may therefore be denoted according to Table 4:

<tables id="TABLE-US-00004" num="00004"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="56pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" rowsep="1">TABLE 4</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>Removal</entry><entry>First Impedance</entry><entry>Second Impedance</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>state</entry><entry>State</entry><entry>State</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>First</entry><entry>RLOAD</entry><entry>RLOAD</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Second</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>2RLOAD</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Third</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>High-Z</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

In response to detecting the sequence of changing impedance states denoted in Table 4, the monitoring unit 170 may detect that at least a partial removal of the plug 460 from the socket 150 has occurred. To determine whether a partial removal has occurred (i.e. the plug 460 is received in socket 150 in the third removal state) or a full removal has occurred (e.g. the plug 460 is received in socket 150 in the fourth removal state), the monitoring unit 170 may begin to monitor the third impedance state of the third signal path from the fourth terminal 140 to the third terminal 130.

Therefore, in response to detecting a first predetermined sequence of the first and second impedance states in Table 4, the monitoring unit 170 may monitor the third impedance state to determine if a partial or a full removal of the plug 460 from the socket 150 has occurred.

In the third removal state, the third impedance state is indicative of a measured impedance value of 2RLOAD. If the monitoring unit 170 detects this third impedance state for a predetermined period of time, then it will determine that a partial removal of plug 460 from socket 150 has occurred. The signal S will therefore be indicative that the plug 460 has been partially removed from socket 150.

If the third impedance state transitions from 2RLOAD to a high impedance state within the predetermined time period, then the circuitry 100 may determine that the plug 460 has moved to the fourth removal state illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4d</figref>, i.e. that the plug 460 has been fully removed from the socket 150. The third impedance state transitioning from a first value (e.g. 2RLOAD) to a second value (e.g. high impedance) may therefore correspond to a second predetermined sequence of impedance states. In response to detection by the monitoring unit 170 of the second predetermined sequence of impedance states within the predetermined time period the signal S will be indicative that a full removal of the plug 460 from the socket 150 has occurred. In another example, when the third impedance state is initially detected as high impedance, then it may be determined that a full removal of the plug 460 from the socket 150 has occurred.

Monitoring the third impedance state therefore clarifies if a plug has been partially or fully removed from the socket 150. Furthermore, monitoring the third impedance state only after an initial predetermined sequence of the first and second impedance states has occurred reduces power consumption, as the additional third impedance state is used less frequently compared to a continuous detection across all removal states, as described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3a-d and 4a</figref>-d.

In one embodiment, in response to receiving the signal S indicative of partial removal of a plug from the socket 150, the controller may output an error message. In an example in which the circuitry 100 and the socket 150 are part of an electronic device, an error message, alert or warning may be output via a user interface of the electronic device. The error message, alert or warning may notify a user that the plug of an accessory device is not correctly received in the socket 150 correctly.

In some embodiments, the impedance states may not be measured as absolute values Instead the monitoring unit 170 may detect whether the impedance of the signal paths associated with the terminals 110-140 is high or low. The impedance of the signal paths associated with the terminals 110-140 may be compared to a threshold impedance using comparator circuitry. If the impedance associated with a terminal is greater than the threshold impedance, then the comparator circuitry may output the corresponding impedance state as a high value. This will therefore be indicative that the corresponding terminal is not electrically connected to a plug contact and the signal path from the corresponding terminal is open circuit. When the impedance from a terminal is less than the threshold impedance this will be indicative that a plug contact is electrically connected to the terminal. The corresponding impedance state will therefore be output as a low value.

Using only two values for the impedance states in this way may reduce the number of predetermined sequences stored in a memory by circuitry 100. For example, the predetermined sequence for both the left-right-microphone-ground TRRS plug described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3a-d </figref>and the left-right-ground-microphone TRRS plug described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4a-d</figref>, may both be expressed according to Table 5:

<tables id="TABLE-US-00005" num="00005"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="56pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="63pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" rowsep="1">TABLE 5</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Removal</entry><entry>First Impedance</entry><entry>Second Impedance</entry><entry>Third Impedance</entry></row><row><entry>state</entry><entry>State</entry><entry>State</entry><entry>State</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>First</entry><entry>Low</entry><entry>Low</entry><entry>Low</entry></row><row><entry>Second</entry><entry>High</entry><entry>Low</entry><entry>Low</entry></row><row><entry>Third</entry><entry>High</entry><entry>High</entry><entry>Low</entry></row><row><entry>Fourth</entry><entry>High</entry><entry>High</entry><entry>High</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="4" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

Therefore, the sequence of impedance states denoted in Table 5 may be used to detect removal of a left-right-microphone-ground configured TRRS plug and a left-right-ground-microphone TRRS configured plug from the socket 150. A single predetermined sequence of impedance states may therefore be used to detect the removal of two types of plugs. Only one predetermined sequence of impedance states to detect the removal of a plurality of different types or configurations of plugs may therefore be stored in a memory associated with circuitry 100. This may therefore reduce the amount of memory required compared to storing a plurality of predetermined impedance states for a corresponding plurality of plug types.

The circuitry described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> can be used to detect removal of the plug of an audio accessory from the socket of a host device or from the socket of an extension cable or splitter cable that is connected to the socket of the host device while audio signals are being output (via the socket of the host device) to the accessory device without injecting DC voltages that would give rise to undesirable audio artefacts such as clicks and pops. This is achieved by measuring the impedance of one or more signal paths as discussed above while the audio signals are being output.

The skilled person will be aware of several methods for measuring the impedance of a signal path as discussed above. For example, the monitoring unit 170 could be configured to measure the ground return current in the signal paths between terminals of the monitoring unit. As will be appreciated, for a given signal level in a signal path the ground return current in the signal path will vary depending upon the impedance state of the signal path.

For example, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2a-2c</figref>, in the first removal state illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2a </figref>the ground return current in the first signal path between the first and fourth terminals 110, 140 for a given signal level will take a first value, and the ground return current in the second signal path between the second and fourth terminals 120, 140 for a given signal level will take a second value (which may be approximately equal to the first value, as the impedance of the left audio load RL is equal to the impedance of the right audio load RR). By measuring the return current in the first and second signal paths, the impedance of those signal paths can be determined by the monitoring unit 170 or a downstream processor.

When the plug 260 moves to the second removal state illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2b </figref>the socket tip contact 152 is no longer connected to anything so no current flows in the first signal path. Thus, no ground return current is detected and so the monitoring unit 170 or downstream processor can determine that the impedance of the first signal path is high impedance.

In the second removal state, the second signal path includes the impedances of both the left audio load RL and the right audio load RR. The return current in the second signal path will therefore be reduced, in comparison to the return current in the second signal path in the first removal state. By measuring the return current in the second signal path, the impedance of that signal path can be determined by the monitoring unit 170 or a downstream processor.

When the plug 260 moves to the third removal state illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2c </figref>neither the socket tip contact 152 nor the first socket ring contact 154 is connected to anything so no current flows in the first signal path or the second signal path. Thus, no ground return current is detected in the first signal path or the second signal path and so the monitoring unit 170 or downstream processor can determine that the impedance of both the first signal path and the second signal path are high impedance.

In an alternative approach, the monitoring unit 170 or circuitry 100 may include current mirror circuitry, to mirror a proportion of the current through the loads (e.g. speakers of an audio accessory device) through a known resistance. By measuring a parameter associated with the mirrored current (e.g. the current or an associated voltage), the impedance of a signal path between terminals of the monitoring unit, via the audio accessory, can be determined.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5a </figref>illustrates an example of circuitry 500 to mirror the load current ILOAD passing through an audio load coupled to a jack socket of a host device. An audio output driver transistor 510 (e.g. a MOSFET) receives at a control terminal (e.g. a gate terminal) thereof an audio signal from an audio sub-system of the host device, and outputs an output voltage VOUT to a circuit node 514, which may be, for example, a tip or ring contact of a jack socket of the host device in which a corresponding jack plug of an audio accessory device is received. The output voltage VOUT drives a load 512 such as a speaker of the audio accessory device, which has a nominal impedance RLOAD.

The circuitry 500 also includes current mirror circuitry comprising a current mirror transistor 520 (e.g. a MOSFET) coupled to a dummy resistance 522 having an impedance RDUM. A control terminal (e.g. a gate terminal) of the current mirror transistor 520 is coupled to the control terminal of the output driver transistor 510, and thus also receives the audio signal from the audio sub-system of the host device. By appropriate selection of the ratio of the size of the current mirror transistor 520 to that of the output driver transistor 510, or alternatively by appropriate selection of the ratio of the impedance RDUM of the dummy resistance 522 to the nominal impedance RLOAD of the audio load 512, a current ISENSE through the dummy resistance 522 can be set to be a suitable proportion of the load current ILOAD through the audio load 512. For example, if the nominal impedance RLOAD of the audio load is 32Ω, then by setting the impedance RDUM of the dummy resistance 522 to 3.2 kΩ and using a current mirror transistor 520 of the same size as the output driver transistor 510, the current ISENSE through the dummy resistance 522 can be set to be 1/100 of the load current ILOAD through the audio load 512.

The circuitry 500 also includes a comparator 520 having a first input that is coupled to the circuit node 514 and a second input that is coupled to a circuit node 524 between an output terminal of the current mirror transistor 520 and the dummy resistance 522. The first input of the comparator thus receives the output voltage VOUT, and the second input of the comparator receives a voltage VSENSE that develops across the dummy resistance 522 as a result of the mirrored current ISENSE.

The comparator 520 outputs a signal indicative of the difference between VOUT and VSENSE. When the impedance RLOAD of the audio load 512 changes due to full or partial removal of the jack plug of the audio accessory from the socket of the host device as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-4</figref>, the current ISENSE will change, leading to a change in VSENSE and a consequential change in the level of the signal output by the comparator 520. This comparator output signal is thus indicative of the impedance RLOAD of the audio load, and can be used by downstream processing circuitry to detect the different impedance states that occur as the jack plug of the audio accessory is removed from the socket of the accessory device.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5b </figref>illustrates circuitry 550 implementing an alternative approach to detecting changes in the impedance states of signal paths between terminals of the monitoring unit 170, via an audio accessory device. The elements in common between <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5a and 5b </figref>are given corresponding reference numerals.

The circuitry 550 is similar to the circuitry 500 of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5a</figref>, with the exception that there is no comparator 520. Instead, the circuitry 550 includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) 560 having an input coupled to the circuit node 524, such that the ADC 560 receives the voltage VSENSE and outputs a digital signal representative of the voltage VSENSE to downstream processing circuitry. As in the circuitry of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5a</figref>, when the impedance RLOAD of the audio load 512 changes due to full of partial removal of the jack plug of the audio accessory from the socket of the host device as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-4</figref>, the current ISENSE will change, leading to a change in VSENSE. The digital signal output by the ADC 560 is thus indicative of the impedance RLOAD of the audio load, and can be used by downstream processing circuitry to detect the different impedance states that occur as the jack plug of the audio accessory is removed from the socket of the accessory device.

The examples illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> show a 4-pole TRRS plug being removed from a complementary 4-pole TRRS socket. It will be appreciated, however, that the techniques described above in relation to the examples illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> are equally applicable to detecting the presence of a 3-pole TRS plug in a corresponding 3-pole TRS socket, and the removal of such a plug from such a socket.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6a-c </figref>illustrate an example of a three-pole jack plug 760 being removed from a corresponding socket 650 of a host device over a sequence of different removal states.

The host device includes circuitry 600 for detecting the present of a jack plug 760 in the socket. The circuitry 600 includes a monitoring unit having first, second and third terminals 610, 620, 630 which are connected, respectively, to tip, ring and sleeve contacts 652, 654, 656 of the socket 650 by respective conductors 612, 622, 632 such as printed circuit board (PCB) tracks, wires or the like.

In the illustrated example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, a plug 760 comprises a TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) jack plug to provide a connection to an audio accessory device such as a set of stereo headphones that does not include a microphone. A common configuration for the jack plug for such an accessory device is that the tip and ring contacts 762, 764 provide connections for the left audio and right audio loads (e.g. left and right speakers), respectively, with the sleeve contact 766 providing a ground connection for the accessory device. Thus, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6a</figref>, the plug tip (T) contact 762 provides a connection to the left audio load RL. Similarly, the plug ring (R) contact 764 provides a connection to the right audio load RR. It will be appreciated that both the left audio load RL and the right audio load RR will be substantially the same and therefore the impedance of either load may be expressed as RLOAD.

Therefore, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6a</figref>, when the plug 760 is fully received in the socket 650 of the host device, the first terminal 610 of the monitoring unit 670 is electrically connected to the left load RL at the plug tip contact 762 via the socket tip contact 652, while the second terminal 620 of the monitoring unit 670 is electrically connected to the right load RR at the plug ring contact 764 via the socket ring contact 654.

As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6a</figref>, when the plug 760 is fully received in the socket 650, the socket sleeve contact 656 is electrically connected to the plug sleeve contact 766. As described above, the plug sleeve contact 766 provides a contact for connection to ground. Therefore, the third terminal 630 connects the plug sleeve contact 266 to ground G, when the plug 760 is fully received in the socket 750.

The third terminal 630 provides a suitable reference from which impedance measurements may be taken. Therefore, impedance measurements may be taken for a first signal path from the first terminal 610 to the third terminal 630, via the audio accessory, and for a second signal path from the second terminal 620 to the third terminal 630, via the audio accessory. In other words, a first impedance state may be detected at the first terminal 610 for a first signal path between the first terminal 610 and the third terminal 630, and a second impedance state may be detected at the second terminal 620, for a second signal path between the second terminal 620 and the third terminal 630.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6a </figref>illustrates the plug 760 and the socket 650 in an initial (or first) removal state, in which the plug 760 is fully inserted in the socket 650. In this initial removal state, the impedance state at both the first terminal 610 and the second terminal 620 will be low, as the first and second terminals 610,620 are in electrical contact with the plug tip and ring contacts 762, 764 via socket contacts 652,654, respectively. The first signal path from the first terminal 610 to the third terminal 630, via the audio accessory, includes the left load RL, and therefore the impedance of the first signal path will be measured as RLOAD. Accordingly, the first impedance state, detected at the first terminal 610, is low impedance. Similarly, the second signal path from the second terminal 620 to the third terminal 630, via the audio accessory, includes the right audio load RR. Therefore, the impedance of the second signal path will also be measured as RLOAD by the monitoring unit 670. Thus the second impedance state, detected at the second terminal 620, is also low impedance.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6b </figref>illustrates a second removal state of the plug 760 and the socket 650, in which the plug 760 is partially removed from the socket 650. In the second removal state, the plug 760 has been partially extracted from the socket 650, such that the plug sleeve contact 766 is no longer fully received in the socket 650. In the second removal state, the socket tip contact 652 is not in electrical contact with any of the plug contacts 762-766. The signal path from the first terminal 610 is therefore open circuit. As such, the first impedance state, detected at the first terminal 610, will be high impedance.

In the second removal state, the second terminal 620 is electrically connected to the plug tip contact 762 via the socket ring contact 654. The signal path between the second terminal 620 and the third terminal 630, via the audio accessory, therefore includes the left audio load RL and the right audio load RR. As the impedances of the left audio load RL and the right audio load RR are substantially the same, the impedance of this signal path will therefore again be measured as approximately 2RLOAD in the second removal state, and thus the impedance state, detected at the second terminal 620, when the plug 760 and the socket 650 are in the second removal state will be approximately 2RLOAD.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6c </figref>illustrates the plug 760 and the socket 650 in a third removal state, which for the purposes of the present disclosure is equivalent to the full removal of the plug 760 from the socket 650. In the third removal state, the plug tip contact 762 is received in the socket 650, in contact with the socket sleeve contact 656. However, neither of the socket ring contact 764 and the socket sleeve contact 766 are connected to any plug contact. The left and right audio contacts of the plug 760 (i.e. the socket tip contact 762 and the socket ring contact 764) are therefore no longer in contact with the socket contacts of the socket 650 through which audio signals can be supplied to the left and/or right plug contacts (i.e. the socket tip contact 652 and the socket ring contact 654). Therefore, neither of left audio load RL and right audio load RR can be driven in the third removal state. Accordingly, when the plug 760 and the socket 650 adopt the third removal state, the plug 760 will be considered to be removed from the socket 650 for the purposes of the present disclosure.

In the third removal state, the first terminal 610 is again not connected to any of the plug contacts 762-766. Therefore the first impedance state, detected at the first terminal 610, will again be high impedance. The socket ring contact 754 is no longer in electrical contact with any of the plug contacts 762-266 in the third removal state. Therefore, the second impedance state, detected at the second terminal 620, will also be high impedance.

The sequence of values of the first and second impedance states as the plug 760 is removed from the socket 650 over the first to third removal states illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6a-c </figref>may therefore be expressed according to Table 6:

<tables id="TABLE-US-00006" num="00006"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="4"><colspec colname="offset" colwidth="14pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="1" colwidth="56pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="70pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="77pt" align="left" /><thead><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" rowsep="1">TABLE 6</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>Removal</entry><entry>First Impedance</entry><entry>Second Impedance</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>State</entry><entry>State</entry><entry>State</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /><entry>First</entry><entry>Low-Z (RLOAD)</entry><entry>Low-Z (RLOAD)</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Second</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>2RLOAD</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>Third</entry><entry>High-Z</entry><entry>High-Z</entry></row><row><entry /><entry namest="offset" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

The changing sequence of the first and/or second impedance states detected at the first and/or second terminals 610, 620 respectively may therefore be indicative of the removal of the plug 760 from the socket 650. As the plug 760 is removed from the socket 650, the plug 760 and socket 650 will sequentially adopt the first, second and third removal states illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6a-c</figref>. The monitoring unit 670 is therefore configured to detect a sequence of first and/or second impedance states, and when the detected sequence of first and/or second impedance states corresponds to the relevant sequence(s) in Table 6, the monitoring unit 670 will detect that the plug 760 has been removed from socket 650.

The circuitry 600 is configured to output a signal S indicative of detection of at least partial removal of the plug 760 from the socket 650 when the monitoring unit 670 detects this predetermined sequence. The signal S may be sent to a controller (not illustrated) of the host device, which may, in response to the signal S, suspend the supply of audio signals to the socket 650, thereby reducing power consumption of the host device, since audio signals are not unnecessarily generated and output.

The monitoring unit 670 may comprise a processor and/or circuitry configured to detect the predetermined sequence denoted in Table 6, indicative of removal of the plug 760 from the socket 650. In another example the monitoring unit 670 may detect the first and second impedance states (e.g. by measuring the impedances of signal paths from the first and second terminals 610, 620, as described above) and transmit the detected impedance states to a downstream processor. The downstream processor may log the detected sequence of the first and second impedance states and, when the logged sequence of impedance states corresponds to the predetermined sequence, may output the signal S to a controller to suspend audio output by the host device.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the circuitry described herein with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref> can be used to detect removal of jack plugs from sockets in a number of different scenarios, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7a</figref>-7f.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7a </figref>illustrates the removal of a 4-pole TRRS jack plug 260 of an audio accessory device from a corresponding 4-pole TRRS socket 150 of a host device.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7b </figref>illustrates the removal of a 3-pole TRS jack plug 760 of an audio accessory device from a corresponding 3-pole TRS socket 650 of a host device.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7c </figref>illustrates the removal of a 4-pole TRRS jack plug 260 of an audio accessory device from a corresponding 4-pole TRRS socket of an extension cable 810 having a 4-pole TRRS jack plug that is received in a 4-pole TRRS socket 150 of a host device.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7d </figref>illustrates the removal of a 3-pole TRS jack plug 760 of an audio accessory device from a corresponding 3-pole TRS socket of an extension cable 820 having a 3-pole TRS jack plug that is received in a 3-pole TRS socket 650 of a host device.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7e </figref>illustrates the removal of a 4-pole TRRS jack plug 260 of an audio accessory device from a corresponding 4-pole TRRS socket of a splitter cable 830 having a 4-pole TRRS jack plug that is received in a 4-pole TRRS socket 150 of a host device.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7f </figref>illustrates the removal of a 3-pole TRS jack plug 760 of an audio accessory device from a corresponding 3-pole TRS socket of a splitter cable 840 having a 3-pole TRS jack plug that is received in a 3-pole TRS socket 650 of a host device.

In the description above it has been assumed that the circuitry 100, 600 operates in isolation from other circuitry such as microphone detect circuitry that may be present in a host device. Thus, the impedance values and states provided in the description above are based on this assumption. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, where the circuitry 100, 600 is required to operate in conjunction with other circuitry such as microphone detection circuitry, the actual impedance values and states of the signal paths as the jack plug moves through the described removal states may differ from the impedance values and states described above. Those skilled in the art will readily be able to adapt the teachings of the present disclosure to detect impedance values and states that are appropriate to the requirements of a particular host device or other implementation, and thus it will be understood that the impedance values and states provided in the above description are examples used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, and are not limitations of the scope of the present disclosure.

The description above has presented the present disclosure in the context of an audio accessory connected via a jack plug 160, 260, 360, 460, 760 to be received in socket 150, 650. However, the skilled person will appreciate that a wide variety of different accessory devices or apparatus may comprise a jack plug for a mating connection to a corresponding socket. The skilled person will therefore understand that the teaching in accordance with the present disclosure may be applied to any such accessory apparatus or device.

Circuitry according to embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as an integrated circuit and may be implemented in a host device. The term host device is used in this specification to refer to any electronic or electrical device which is removably connectable to an external accessory apparatus. The host device may especially be a portable and/or battery powered host device such as a mobile telephone, an audio player, a video player, a PDA, a mobile computing platform such as a laptop computer or tablet and/or a games device for example. A removable accessory apparatus is any apparatus which may be connected to and used with a host device. The accessory apparatus may, for instance, be a set of headphones, earphones, earbuds or the like, possibly including a microphone, or a headset.

The skilled person will thus recognise that some aspects of the above-described apparatus and methods may be embodied as processor control code, for example on a non-volatile carrier medium such as a disk, CD- or DVD-ROM, programmed memory such as read only memory (Firmware), or on a data carrier such as an optical or electrical signal carrier. For many applications embodiments of the invention will be implemented on a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Thus the code may comprise conventional program code or microcode or, for example code for setting up or controlling an ASIC or FPGA. The code may also comprise code for dynamically configuring re-configurable apparatus such as re-programmable logic gate arrays. Similarly the code may comprise code for a hardware description language such as Verilog™ or VHDL (Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language). As the skilled person will appreciate, the code may be distributed between a plurality of coupled components in communication with one another. Where appropriate, the embodiments may also be implemented using code running on a field-(re)programmable analogue array or similar device in order to configure analogue hardware.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim, “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and a single feature or other unit may fulfil the functions of several units recited in the claims. Any reference numerals or labels in the claims shall not be construed so as to limit their scope.

As used herein, when two or more elements are referred to as “coupled” to one another, such term indicates that such two or more elements are in electronic communication or mechanical communication, as applicable, whether connected indirectly or directly, with or without intervening elements.

This disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims encompass all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative. Accordingly, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

Although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described above.

Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. Additionally, other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the foregoing figures and description.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

Contents4

Every citation, both waysCites: the store holds 50 of 51

Citations
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Combined Search and Examination Report under Sections 17 and 18(3), UKIPO, Application No. GB2000270.5, dated Jun. 9, 2020.	Non-patent	–	Applicant

10 members in 2 offices

This recordMember, by publication datePriority claim

Priority claims6

Priority claims
Document	Office	Kind	Date
201962942098	United States of America	P	2019-11-30
201962942098	United States of America	P	2019-11-30
202016952860	United States of America	A	2020-11-19
62942098	–	–	–
US201962942098P	–	–	–
US202016952860	–	–	–

Members10

Family members, oldest first
Document	Office	Kind
GB202000270D0	United Kingdom	D0	2020-02-26
GB202000271D0	United Kingdom	D0	2020-02-26
GB2589387A	United Kingdom	A	2021-06-02
GB2589388A	United Kingdom	A	2021-06-02
US2021165055A1	United States of America	A1	2021-06-03
US2021167557A1	United States of America	A1	2021-06-03
GB2589388B	United Kingdom	B	2022-05-04
US11362467B2This record	United States of America	B2	2022-06-14
GB2589387B	United Kingdom	B	2023-09-06
US11852694B2	United States of America	B2	2023-12-26

44 transactions on the USPTO file

Allowed after 1 non-final rejection.

Non-final rejections: 1
Final rejections: 0
RCEs: 0
Appeals: 0

Over time

Point at a mark for the transaction

Transactions

Prosecution transactions, newest first
	Event	Code
2025-12-15	Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large EntityM1551	M1551
2023-05-12	Post Issue Communication - Certificate of CorrectionN423	N423
2022-06-14	Recordation of Patent Grant MailedPGM/	PGM/
2022-06-14	Patent Issue Date Used in PTA CalculationAllowedPTAC	PTAC
2022-05-25	Issue Notification MailedAllowedWPIR	WPIR
2022-05-20	Dispatch to FDCD1935	D1935
2022-05-20	Application Is Considered Ready for IssuePILS	PILS
2022-05-16	Mailing Corrected Notice of AllowabilityMCNOA	MCNOA
2022-05-12	Corrected Notice of AllowabilityCNOA	CNOA
2022-05-10	Pubs Case Remand to TCPUBTC	PUBTC
2022-05-10	Mailing Corrected Notice of AllowabilityMCNOA	MCNOA
2022-05-09	Corrected Notice of AllowabilityCNOA	CNOA
2022-04-15	Pubs Case Remand to TCPUBTC	PUBTC
2022-04-13	Amendment after Notice of Allowance (Rule 312)AllowedA.NA	A.NA
2022-04-13	Response to Reasons for AllowanceREAS	REAS
2022-04-13	Issue Fee Payment VerifiedN084	N084
2022-04-13	Issue Fee Payment ReceivedIFEE	IFEE
2022-03-23	Mail Notice of AllowanceAllowedMN/=.	MN/=.
2022-03-22	Notice of Allowance Data Verification CompletedAllowedN/=.	N/=.
2022-02-07	Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX	FWDX
2022-02-04	Response after Non-Final ActionA...	A...
2021-11-15	Mail Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionMCTNF	MCTNF
2021-11-12	Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionCTNF	CTNF
2021-11-04	Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC	IDSC
2021-10-10	Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK	DOCK
2021-08-20	Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK	DOCK
2021-06-03	PG-Pub Issue NotificationPG-ISSUE	PG-ISSUE
2021-01-22	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledM844	M844
2021-01-22	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS	WIDS
2020-12-21	Application Dispatched from OIPEOIPE	OIPE
2020-12-10	Filing Receipt - CorrectedFLRCPT.C	FLRCPT.C
2020-12-02	Application ready for PDX access by participating foreign officesCCRDY	CCRDY
2020-12-02	Mail Pre-Exam NoticeMPEN	MPEN
2020-12-02	Application Is Now CompleteCOMP	COMP
2020-12-02	Filing ReceiptFLRCPT.O	FLRCPT.O
2020-12-01	Sent to Classification ContractorPGPC	PGPC
2020-12-01	FITF set to YES - revise initial settingFTFS	FTFS
2020-11-25	Cleared by OIPE CSRL194	L194
2020-11-19	Patent Term Adjustment - Ready for ExaminationPTA.RFE	PTA.RFE
2020-11-19	PTO/SB/69-Authorize EPO Access to Search ResultsSREXR141	SREXR141
2020-11-19	Applicants have given acceptable permission for participating foreignAPPERMS	APPERMS
2020-11-19	IFW Scan & PACR Auto Security ReviewSCAN	SCAN
2020-11-19	Entity Status Set To Undiscounted (Initial Default Setting or Status Change)BIG.	BIG.
2020-11-19	Initial Exam Team nnIEXX	IEXX

14 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC

Over the term

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Events

Legal events, newest first
	Event	Code
2025-12-15	Maintenance fee paymentMAFP	MAFP
2023-05-30	Certificate of correctionCC	CC
2022-05-25	Information on status: patent grantGrantedPATENTED CASESTCF	STCF
2022-05-12	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalPUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIEDSTPP	STPP
2022-05-11	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalAWAITING TC RESP, ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIEDSTPP	STPP
2022-04-18	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalAWAITING TC RESP, ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIEDSTPP	STPP
2022-04-14	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalPUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIEDSTPP	STPP
2022-04-06	AssignmentAS	AS
2022-03-23	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalNOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONSSTPP	STPP
2022-02-07	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalRESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINERSTPP	STPP
2021-11-15	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalNON FINAL ACTION MAILEDSTPP	STPP
2021-08-20	Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in generalDOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATIONSTPP	STPP
2020-11-19	AssignmentAS	AS
2020-11-19	Fee payment procedureENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITYFEPP	FEPP